The History of the Inquisition

A monumental work of early modern scholarship and moral courage, The History of the Inquisition by Philip Limborch stands as one of the first comprehensive examinations of the origins, doctrines, and cruelties of the Inquisitorial system. Written in the seventeenth century, Limborch’s study draws upon original records, papal decrees, and eyewitness testimonies to unveil the machinery of persecution that operated in the name of faith across medieval and early modern Europe.

With the precision of a theologian and the conscience of a humanist, Limborch exposes the abuses of power, the use of torture, and the suppression of conscience that marked the Inquisition’s long reign. Yet beyond condemnation, his work is also a plea for religious liberty and moral enlightenment, reflecting the values of an age that sought to replace dogma with reason and cruelty with compassion.

Rich in historical documentation and moral clarity, this work remains a foundational text in the study of religious persecution and human rights, tracing the dark intersections of faith, fear, and authority.

Complete edition of Philip Limborch’s seminal 17th-century history of the Inquisition

Draws from original sources and testimonies to document ecclesiastical persecution

A cornerstone of Enlightenment thought on tolerance and religious freedom

Essential for readers of church history, theology, and the history of human rights